Justice Nancy Mills said this morning that the trial cannot proceed until the state Supreme Court rules on an appeal of her decision to dismiss 46 counts against Mark Strong Sr.

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A Superior Court judge ruled this morning that the trial against Mark Strong Sr. - the alleged business partner in a Kennebunk protitution business - will not move forward until the Maine Supreme Court decides an appeal.

Last week, Justice Nancy Mills granted a motion from Strong's defense lawyers to drop 46 misdemeanor counts against him for invasion of privacy. The state appealed that, and while waiting for a decision, Strong's lawyers asked that the trial proceed on the remaining 13 counts of promoting prostition.

This morning, Justice Mills denied that motion, saying the prospect of two different trials, and two different juries, leaves the potential for inconsistent results.

The current jury pool is still in play until March 1. Justice Mills says when the Supreme Court makes a decision on the appeal, she will hear the trial as soon as possible.